KIP CLOUD PRINTING

Work mobile. Print in the Cloud

Printing wide format documents while on the go can be a major hassle. Some solutions require that you sign up at their web site and register every single printer, or the “Mobile” functionality is only available, if you are actually on the local network connected “Wirelessly” KIP Cloud Printing offers a truly hassle-free printing experience, from any smartphone, laptop or tablet.

With KIP Cloud Printing, you can print from anywhere, at anytime, and from any mobile device, all you need is access to the internet. There is NO requirement to be connected to your company Wi Fi.

The ability to produce large prints using nothing more than an email with attachments and a few key words helps keeps you on the go and more productive.

KIP Cloud Printing is a flexible new approach to delivering print services — one that better responds to mobile business needs by providing a driverless cloud printing solution.  Whether you are using an iPhone, iPad, PC, Mac, Smartphone, Laptop, or Tablet.   Printing to the Cloud with KIP Cloud Print is just as easy as printing from a PC and yet it still occurs within your company’s existing secure IT infrastructure.

KIP Cloud Printing makes use of the same IT security infrastructure, which allows you to send and receive your email on the go!

Printing from anywhere to your KIP plotter provides more options for busy professionals, now making a change, is as easy as making an annotation, and sending to it your Web enabled KIP plotter. Additionally, co-workers in the office can utilize KIP Cloud Scanning to send marked up documents for review, directly to you, no matter where you are!

Advantages of KIP Cloud Printing:

·           Use any phone, tablet, laptop or PC

·           Direct Print or Mailbox for later printing and retrieval

·           No need to install drivers or software applications

·           No learning curve, no training

·           Submit print ready files via Email attachments

·           Optional keywords provide expanded flexibility

KIP Cloud Printing - Value and Convenience

KIP Cloud Printing is easy and convenient. Users can print anytime, anywhere from their hand held device without installing print drivers. Think of the advantages  provided  to the worker who needs to print at different locations , whether it is locally on the job site, or across country to the corporate office

Download KIP Cloud Print Web Apps

KIP C7800 Is Live on the Web

Full details of the Brand NEW KIP C7800 High Production Black & White AND Color Printer is now available from the following Websites:

www.C7800.com 

KIP.com

KIP C7800 HIGH PRODUCTION COLOR PRINT SYSTEM

                          Click Here To Register

For more information on the C7800 introduction event, please call the KIP C7800 Hotline at 800.252.6793 or email C7800@kipamerica.com

PDF QUICKTIPS FOR KIP SYSTEMS

PDF Printing

The sheer volume of PDF files has allowed many vendors other than Adobe to create PDF creation applications.  Over the years, Adobe has updated the functionality of not only the Adobe® Reader®, but the PDF file format itself.  Files have become quite complex with text, drawings, 3D data, markups and file security. Unfortunately, until most recently, there was not a set standard of PDF file generation, thus leading to a myriad of file printing and viewing issues.

Users report that a file views properly in Adobe® Reader®, while printing the same document produces unwanted and unexpected output.

Understanding issues relating to PDF file generation and how to solve these issues will help ensure that the PDF files that are printed on your KIP printer are the best possible quality.  The most important piece of information to remember is that PDF files are not all created equally.

Identifying Common PDF Issues

Transparency

Transparencies are the most common issues affecting PDF file reproduction.  Transparency or ‘merge type’ controls what layer or entities are shown on the final output image. 

PDF version 1.4 was the first version of PDF that supported transparencies.

Transparencies are complex but are easy to notice when printing issues arise.  Issues with transparencies can be shown as missing data, solid black data, grids with thin white lines just to name a few.

When printing in color, it is possible to have an RGB image that is slightly translucent on top of a CMYK background.  This will show as a “color shift”. 

These actions lead to the addition of transparencies to layouts:

·         Making an object transparent in a lay-out or design application.

• Adding drop shadows to objects.
• Feathering objects.
• Placing native files which contain transparency from Adobe Illustrator, InDesign or Photoshop.
• Dragging & dropping or copying & pasting transparent objects from applications like Adobe Illustrator to Adobe InDesign.

In order for a RIP engine (PDF converter) to produce a file that is ready for a printer engine, it must first “flatten” the PDF file.

According to Adobe, Flattening divides transparent artwork into vector-based areas and rasterized areas.  As artwork becomes more complex (mixing images, vectors, type, spot colors, overprinting, and so on), so does the flattening and its results.

This flattening process is handled at the KIP controller using pscript.exe.  Pscript.exe is a command tool that converts PDF/PS documents into a file format that recognized by the print engine.

When flattening occurs, a noticeable delay of output may be observed.   This is typical amongst all RIP engines on the market today.  Printing directly from Adobe’s Acrobat software, there is a dialog box present where the flattening process is occurring and is visible to the end user.

Sometimes, flattening is not performed correctly due to the complexity of the transparencies within a document; an unusable, printed document may be the result.

Within KIP PrintNET, it is possible to enable or disable the flattening process by using the ‘No Transparency’ option.  In order to set, it is necessary to log into PrintNET using the ‘admin’ account and then accessing ‘Printer Config’.

Selecting ‘No Transparency’ (set as default) ignores the flattening process.  Unchecking ‘No Transparency’ enables the flattening process which may lengthen the time of the conversion process.

Fonts

Missing or incorrect fonts on the printed page is a result of ‘font embedding’.  Embedding fonts is a process where the application responsible for generating the original PDF embeds or includes the font in the PDF file.  This font is then transported along with the PDF and will print faithfully even without the font being present on the printer controller.

It is possible to upload fonts to the KIP controller using PrintNET’s Printer Config menu.

Log into KIP PrintNET as ‘admin’, enter ‘Printer Config’ and select Upload Font.  Browse for the font to be installed and click Open.  No further action is required.

Select ‘IPS Installed Fonts’ to view fonts currently installed at the KIP printer.

Colors and Line Weights

Most engineering and architectural drawings are created in color, even though they may be printed in black and white. It might be something as simple as color lines or a company logo.

There can be issues when colors are converted to grayscale. For example, the color yellow might be very visible on a monitor but will become a very faint gray when printed in black and white.

Line weights may become an issue depending on what printer the document is printed.  Documents with very thin or faint lines may not reproduce properly on monochrome LED printers.

Again, it is possible to set a minimum entity size that controls overall line thickness as well as set a dither pattern within KIP PrintNET.

Log into KIP PrintNET as ‘admin’, enter ‘Printer Config’ and select the appropriate dither pattern and Minimum Feature Size.

PDF Printing Methods

Now that we may understand some of the common PDF issues, it is also important to know about the different ways a PDF file can be printed as this can affect the final printed output as well. There are two methods that can be used to print PDF files.

·         The first is the Application/Printer Driver method. As its name implies, the Application/Printer Driver method requires two pieces of software in order to print a PDF file. The Application is software that can open and view the PDF file (e.g. Adobe Acrobat or Adobe Reader). The Printer Driver is software used by the application to convert its documents into a format that can be printed. Both the application and a printer driver are required to print the document.

·         The second method is called Direct PDF Printing. This method uses an application to submit PDF files directly to the printer. The PDF file is converted in the printer using a PostScript® interpreter or processor. No printer driver is required. (Note that not all printers support this method.)

Knowing the advantages and disadvantages of each method can aid in getting troublesome PDF files to print properly.

Application/Printer Driver

Adobe’s Acrobat is currently considered the ‘standard-bearer’ when it comes to PDF file accuracy.  For that reason, if a PDF file opens and views properly within Acrobat, it therefore is a reasonable assumption that the file to be printed will be accurate.

When using an application such as Adobe’s Acrobat, the application itself is responsible for the flattening, font creation and general output of the printed image.  Typically the image from within Adobe is ‘passed through’ the printer driver and delivered as a postscript file to the printer conversion software.

Beginning with the KIP Windows printer driver version 5.13 configured with KIPScript output mode, the PC application is responsible for “drawing” the image to be presented to the printer driver.   The printer driver’s responsibility is to connect to the printer port and pass the data to the printer controller as a postscript file.

The disadvantage to this method is there is no easy way to handle batch printing of multiple PDF files.

Direct PDF Printing

Direct printing of PDF files via KIP Request and KIP PrintNET or from the KIP Touch Screen allows a user to quickly output a batch set of PDF images. 

The major advantage to the direct PDF printing method is its ability to batch print multiple PDF files in one job. However, there are certain warnings to be aware of when using this method.

There are many software and printer companies that have written their own interpreters to emulate Adobe PostScript software.

Some are better than others. But, even when using true Adobe PostScript 3™ software, there is no guarantee that all PDF files will print correctly.

Since Adobe PostScript 3 software can only process specific versions of PDF files submitted using the direct PDF printing method. Not all PDF files are supported, or can be expected to process correctly.

Keep in mind that of all the third party software applications on the market that create PDF files some applications generate PDF files that print without problems - some do not! Some PDF creators even make different types of PDF depending on the content in the drawing. As you can see, there are many different types and versions of PDF files that you may encounter.

Remember: not all PDF files are created equal!

One of the easiest ways to avoid a large majority of PDF printing problems is to use the PDF/X standard. PDF files can be easily created in or converted to the PDF/X standard using Adobe Acrobat software (and many third party applications).

The PDF/X standard is supported by KIP software and most third party processing software when using the direct PDF printing method. PDF/X-1a and PDF/X-3 are two versions of this standard.

The PDF/X standard requires that all fonts be embedded, appropriate PDF bounding boxes be specified, color be correctly defined and it eliminates transparency issues. Using PDF/X eliminates the most common errors in file preparation: missing fonts, color space issues, missing images, page box problems, and overprinting and trapping issues.

The PDF/X standard doesn’t support transparency. So, the flattening is done when the PDF/X file is created. The result is that the PDF/X file generally processes more quickly than PDF files that contain transparency. It properly defines all page box settings. And because PDF/X encapsulates all the required page elements, such files generally have less printing issues. The one disadvantage is the file size can sometimes be larger than other PDF versions. When problems occur during the printing of a PDF file, the first course of action should be to convert it to PDF/X-3.

Standardizing on PDF/X may provide more consistent and reliable output with your printer or software.

Conclusion

As more and more firms, make the move to PDF because of the ease of sharing, viewing, print, and archiving of this type of file, the use of PDF files increase, as will the demand for plotting them on wide-format plotters and printers. As already stated all PDF files are not created equally.  Many different variables involved can have a negative effect on printing. Some of these include missing fonts, missing images, and color space issues. Understanding the issues presented in this paper is a good first step.

Finding KIP Products on Energystar.gov

ENERGY STAR compliance means that the equipment purchased makes use of specific power management techniques to prevent unnecessary power consumption and offers economical and environmental benefits

 ENERGY STAR products can potentially assist your company in achieving LEED points. While there are no LEED designated points directly focusing on wide format printing equipment, there are areas where KIP wide format can contribute to customers achieving points. For example, if you are is working toward LEED for Existing Building and New Construction, having ENERGY STAR compliant equipment may assist you in obtaining LEED points.

Purchasing wide format equipment that is ENERGY STAR compliant can also save your company in electricity costs.

KIP is a partner of EPA-USA ENERGY STAR® for energy-efficient ICT products. ENERGY STAR® is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy.

KIP products are Energy star qualified, and comply with the latest ENERGY STAR specifications that became effective on 1 July 2009.

KIP products can be found on the Energystar.gov website by following the instructions below.

Click on the link below:

http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=find_a_product.showSearchForm&pgw_code=PS&pd_code=IEF%2CIEP%2CIES

The First in a New Series of KIP Product Videos

Key factors to consider when buying a wide format printer – Finale

Choosing a wide format printer

As previously discussed,the type of printing you need , (color, monochrome etc),  will influence your decision, make sure you have a clear understanding of what type of printing you'll be doing and what your monthly  print volume is expected to be .

Time for a metaphor:

The Corvette might look really cool, and you definitely WANT it, but that what you probably NEED, is the MiniVan, not as cool, but infinitely more practical, and in the end will cost you less to run, and is much more efficient.

You probably already have an inkjet device, (you know, the one that is too slow, but it is paid for), that you could pair with one of the monochrome LED systems that allows you to integrate your color inkjet device into their system, allowing you to Copy, Scan, and Print to your (paid for) inkjet, from their interface, and giving you the best of both worlds

And speaking of the interface, make sure that you go and see a demonstration of all of the solutions you’re interested in. Do not allow anyone to convince that there  is no need to go look at the competition. There is always a need to look at all of the options . An educated decision is a good decision.

When you go for a demonstration,  make sure you take sample files of the kind of work that you will be doing. (and I do mean “take with you”), also take your files, not files given to you by someone with a vested interest. Make your choice based on the things that matter to you, not the vendor. You and your users, have to be comfortable with the software interface, the loading and operation of the machine, the cost of operation etc.

While I am on the subject of software, look very carefully at any software that “comes with” the machine. Make sure that you are not paying a recurring monthly maintenance fee for software, (I am talking about Job/file submission software here).   Accounting software is a little different, depending on the level of acounting or tracking you need. All LED manufacturers can provide you account/tracking software, all but one charges for it.

Choosing a dealer

The dealer you choose can have a big impact on your overall satisfaction with your wide-format printer: service and support are the most important considerations. Whether you need a service technician to come out and repair a mechanical problem, or just have a question you need answered, the support offered by your dealership is critical.

Evaluating support can be difficult, but there are a few important steps you can take. When you visit the dealership, ask to tour the service department to get a sense for the size of their operation. Find out what avenues of support they offer: telephone or email-based help, online knowledgebases, discussion forums, etc. Also, inquire about their hours if you anticipate late-night printing sessions.

Many large-format printer dealers carry lines from multiple manufacturers, allowing you to compare print quality from different brands for yourself. If you do that make sure that get samples from multiple dealers, this allows you to compare output quality without bias.

Size isn't always  the best indication of dealer quality, however longevity may be. Small companies that have been around for a long time are likely to be just as dependable as larger companies. Smaller dealers may also offer a more personal touch, while larger dealers may have more of a selection, but these differences aren't critical.

You should look for a dealership that does a steady business in wide-format printers. Many dealers that focus on copiers, scanners, and standard-sized printers also carry a small selection of wide-format printers. Understandably, these dealers' expertise tends to center on the types of equipment they sell most often. You're better off with a dealer who's very familiar with wide-format printers.

Equipment Pricing

Pricing for wide-format printers and plotters can span a huge range.

Low-end wide-format printers, (less than 2 D size sheets per minute), start at less than $2,000 for small inkjet devices, and go up from there. A midrange 36" inkjet printer,        ( 2>3 D size prints per minute),  can range from $4,000 - $9,000 , and $9,000 - $19,000 for a toner based LED printer. (4 D size prints per minute)

A quick note on printer speeds. Inkjet speeds are always quoted at the fastest speed/lowest quality. More often than not, in order to get acceptable quality in the real world, means slowing the inkjet down below the stated speed. Whereas,  LED (Toner), printers always print at stated speed regardless of image density etc.

The mid volume range of LED printers, which can range in speed from 6 D size prints per minute up to 14 D size prints per minute, cost between $19,000 and $50,000, depending on the manufacturer and model

Production-class printers, which have a print capability of 18 to 22 D size prints per minute, range in price from  $50,000 to $200,000 again depending on the manufacturer and model.  

These machines are designed for much higher volumes of printing (hundreds of thousands of square feet per month) with speeds to match. These machines are only needed by specialized print for pay shops or the larger CAD shops.

You may be tempted to look at used wide-format printers, and you may be able to get a good deal. However, a wide-format printer's operational life is generally fairly short - they get outdated by improving technology within 3 to 5 years - so it's usually not worth buying used.

Maintenance and service agreements

Like copiers, LED printers require regular maintenance: cleaning, inspection, and replacing of worn parts. Keeping your printer well maintained is the best way to ensure quality of the prints and prolong its useful life.

Maintenance agreements for wide format LED printers are generally  priced on a per square foot printed per month. If you're new to wide-format printing,  or if you'll depend on the printer for day-to-day production, we strongly recommend that you purchase the maintenance agreement. Make sure the agreement covers on-site labor, and see if guaranteed response times are included.